The Link Between Nutrition and Depression

Our mental health can have a big impact on how we eat. Kristin Walsh, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at LWell, says a compromised state of mental health “may increase likelihood of poor nutrition, lack of meal planning/structure to eating, and comfort/emotional eating and overeating.” 

As one Food and Nutrition article states, “There is evidence that depression, ranging from mild to major depressive disorder (MDD) may be influenced by a person’s diet—and vice versa.” In most cases poor food choices can increase depressive symptoms and leave you feeling tired, irritable and down. 

If you struggle with mental health issues, particularly depression, there are some dietary strategies that can help. Walsh suggests easy-to-make or ready-made healthy options such as slow cooker or instant pot dishes, batches of soups, sandwiches, pre-cut fruits and vegetables, nutritional shakes and bars. Prepping nutritional meals when you are feeling good will help you to make better food choices when you are feeling low. 

Managing your depression while trying to improve your diet is not easy. Our Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) program, with a registered dietitian nutritionist at LWell, can help you improve your nutrition, lose weight, combat fatigue and gain back the energy that depression has taken away.

This article was adapted from the LWell Program of Excellence “Nutrition and Depression” recorded live on 1/18/22.